Hyderabad: The sleuths of the Hyderabad Police Commissioner’s Task Force busted an international smartphone smuggling and mobile phone theft gang with the arrest of 31 people including a Sudanese National.
Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp
As many as 713 smartphones, an auto rickshaw, two computers, and a laptop, all worth over Rs.2 crore were seized from the possession of arrested persons. Of the 31 people, 15 of them were phone snatchers while 11 were receivers of stolen phones and 4 of them were technicians, who unlock the stolen mobile phones and temper with the IMEI numbers.
Key Player: Mohammed Musa Hassan Gamaralanbia
The arrested Sudan national has been identified as Mohammed Musa Hassan Gamaralanbia, 26, a phone accessories businessman and resident of Bismillah Residency in Nanalnagar and a native of Gabr at Khartoum in Sudan.
Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp
Modus Operandi
According to police, Hyderabad has been witnessing a spate of mobile phone snatchings and even a murder took place in recent times. While investigating these incidents, it was found that a major criminal network has been operating in the city involving cell phone theft offenders and a host of receivers of these stolen cell phones are into the business of unlawful transport of handsets to sell them for illegal profits.
Further, several stolen cell phones are being dismantled in markets apart from changing IMEI numbers and resultant components such as mobile screens, cameras, and speakers. The components were subsequently used as replacement parts for existing damaged mobiles received from customers at lower prices in comparison to original company rates.
Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp
A few weeks ago, a similar network of stolen cell phone rackets was busted by the Task Force, and several persons were arrested. Explaining the modus operandi, Task Force DCP S Rashmi Perumal said the phone snatchers were found to be committing offenses in crowded areas like stations, wine shops, and public meetings.
With a desire to lead a lavish life, the gang collectively commits cell phone thefts and sells them to receivers to earn money easily.
Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp
These receivers have contacts with mobile technicians at select locations in Jagadeesh Market in Abids, who have expertise in unlocking cell phones and tampering with IMEI numbers using unauthorized applications to conceal their offenses. It has also been discovered that the cell phone receivers have offered advance payments to snatchers to encourage them to bring bulk quantities of cell phones.
International Trafficking Route
Subsequently, these cell phones were being sold to Sudanese national Hassan, who is illegally exporting these via sea route. After a thorough investigation, the police arrested the gang members and seized 713 smartphones of various brands.
Click Here To Join Us On WhatsApp
The police advised citizens to be vigilant while moving in crowded places and to report any snatching/theft incident to the police at the earliest. Further, mobile shop owners in the city are cautioned to refrain from purchasing or selling stolen cell phones or engaging in illegal activities such as tampering with IMEI numbers as strict legal action will be taken against them.
More Stories :
Telangana Auto Fares: Rs. 30 Minimum Fare Proposed
Telangana auto fares may rise, with a ₹30 minimum proposed for 1.6 km and ₹14 for every additional kilometre. | Auto-rickshaw passengers in Telangana
Ensure Centralised Kitchen For Govt School Students Breakfast Scheme To Be Launched On Dec 9
Hyderabad, Oct. 2 (Maxim News): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to complete arrangements for centralised community kitchens being established to provide breakfast to government school students across the state. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp The directions came after Junnа Solar Systems and Chain Labs India signed agreements with the Hare…
Hyderabad Temple Incident: Man Held in Dilsukhnagar
Hyderabad, Oct. 2 (Maxim News): A man identified as Mohammed Ansari was taken into custody after he allegedly attempted to desecrate an idol at Santoshi Mata Temple in Dilsukhnagar on Friday. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp The incident occurred within the Chaitanyapuri police limits when devotees and the temple priest were present, according to…
Groom Missing Hours Before Wedding In Hyderabad
A Hyderabad groom allegedly went missing hours before his wedding, leaving both families distressed. Kalapathar police are searching for him.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
